There is something distinctly different about the Metropolitan line. While other Tube lines rattle through dark tunnels, the “Met”—specifically the branch stretching all the way to Amersham—feels like a main line railway in disguise. It is the grandfather of the London Underground, the original railway that spawned the concept of “Metroland,” a suburban idyll created in the 1920s to entice Londoners out of the smoke and into the rolling Chiltern Hills.
Today, the journey from the City of London to the leafy heights of Buckinghamshire remains one of the best value and most scenic day trips in the capital. It is a journey that takes you from the ultra-modern steel of the financial district to ancient market towns and green valleys, all on a single tap of your Oyster or contactless card.
What makes this route special
This route is a study in contrasts. You start in the heart of the City, but within an hour, you are in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Metropolitan line uses “S8” stock trains, which are unique on the network. They feature air-conditioning (a blessing in summer), walk-through carriages, and, crucially, a mix of transverse (forward-facing) seating. This makes the long journey far more comfortable than being squeezed onto a deep-level Tube train.
The Amersham branch is also famous for its speed. Unlike the plodding stopping services on other lines, the Amersham trains often run “fast” or “semi-fast,” skipping many suburban stations to whisk you to the countryside. It is the only Tube line that genuinely feels like an express intercity service.
A route breakdown
The journey begins in the City of London. The terminus at Aldgate sits on the edge of the financial district. From here, the train winds through the historic Victorian tunnels, stopping at major transport hubs like Liverpool Street and Moorgate.
As you head west, you pass through the cultural heart of the City. Barbican serves the brutalist architecture of the arts centre, while Farringdon connects you with the Elizabeth line. The route then traces the Euston Road, stopping at the magnificently redeveloped King’s Cross and St Pancras.
After pausing at Euston Square and Great Portland Street, you arrive at Baker Street. This is the spiritual home of the Metropolitan line and a beautifully restored station. From here, the train heads north to Finchley Road, which offers an easy cross-platform interchange with the Jubilee line.
This is where the excitement begins. The Amersham trains typically switch to the “fast” tracks here. You will often zoom past Willesden Green (served by the Jubilee line) and usually skip the busy Wembley Park and Preston Road, racing alongside the stopping trains. You might catch a glimpse of Northwick Park serving the hospital before the train slows for the major junction at Harrow-on-the-Hill, dominated by the famous church spire and private school.
Beyond Harrow, the line splits. While the “stopping” trains serve the communities of North Harrow, Pinner, Northwood Hills, and Northwood, the Amersham train often runs non-stop through these suburbs, offering a swift passage to the Hertfordshire border.
The landscape changes dramatically at Moor Park. The grey suburbs vanish, replaced by exclusive golf courses and ancient woodland. You have officially entered “Metroland.”
Rickmansworth is a highlight, located near canals and lakes, before the train climbs into the Chiltern Hills. Chorleywood is famous for its large common, and Chalfont & Latimer serves charming villages. Finally, the line terminates at Amersham. Here, you are high up in the Chilterns, with the station sitting in “Amersham-on-the-Hill,” a short walk or bus ride from the stunning medieval “Old Amersham” down in the valley.
When does the route run
The Metropolitan line runs daily, with services starting early in the morning (around 05:30) and running until after midnight. It is a vital commuter artery, so it is busy during rush hours, but very peaceful in the middle of the day.
Service frequency and connections
During off-peak times, there are usually four trains per hour that run all the way to Amersham.
It is important to check the destination board. Trains to Amersham are often marked “Fast” or “Semi-Fast.”
- Fast: Stops at Finchley Road, Harrow-on-the-Hill, Moor Park, and then all stations to Amersham.
- Semi-Fast: May add stops at Wembley Park or North Harrow/Pinner.
- All Stations: Usually terminate at Watford or Uxbridge, so if you are heading to Amersham on a stopping train, you may need to change at Harrow-on-the-Hill or Moor Park.
Value for money
Despite traveling nearly 25 miles out of London, Amersham is in Zone 9. This means your journey is capped at the daily TfL rate. It is significantly cheaper than buying a point-to-point National Rail ticket for a similar distance elsewhere in the country. If you have a Travelcard for Zones 1-6, you only need to pay a small extension fare to reach Zone 9.
Top tips for the journey
- Sit on the left: If you are travelling westbound (away from London), the views are generally better on the left-hand side as you pass the reservoirs and canals near Rickmansworth.
- Check the toilets: Unlike central London Tube stations, the outer Metropolitan line stations like Amersham, Rickmansworth, and Chorleywood have customer toilets.
- Bring walking boots: The stations at the end of the line are gateways to the countryside. You can step off the train and be on a public footpath within five minutes.
Planning a day out on this route
For a perfect day trip, take a fast train from Baker Street to Rickmansworth. From the station, it is a short walk to the Rickmansworth Aquadrome, a beautiful nature reserve with lakes and woodland trails.
Alternatively, stay on until the end of the line at Amersham. Walk down the hill to Old Amersham, a town that looks frozen in time with its 13th-century church, market hall, and coaching inns. It has featured in countless films and TV shows, including Four Weddings and a Funeral. After a pub lunch, you can hike up through the beech woods back to the station.
Year-round appeal
This route is excellent all year round. In the summer, the air-conditioned trains make for a cool escape from the baking city streets. In the autumn, the wooded sections between Moor Park and Amersham are a blaze of golden colour. Even in winter, the cosy pubs of Old Amersham or Chorleywood offer a warm welcome after a brisk walk on the common.
